P3.E090: PFAS in drinking water: A sociodemographic analysis in South Carolina Children

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in water systems has emerged as a major public and environmental health threat because of its health implications, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. The effects on children are detrimental, with adverse effects ranging from precocious puberty to developmental delays, bone variations, behavioral changes, and low birth weight. Previous studies have highlighted the disproportionate impacts of environmental hazards on underserved communities. This study aims to investigate the correlation between PFAS exposure in drinking water and sociodemographic characteristics in South Carolina.

Methods: PFAS water sampling data from various locations in all counties was obtained from publicly available data published by the Bureau of Water (South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control). Sampling sites with PFOS and PFOA above the MCL of 4 ppt were identified as the target areas, and sites with undetected levels were randomly matched as comparison areas. Census tracts were determined using geocodes, and sociodemographic data were obtained from the United States Census Bureau and American Community Survey. Statistical analysis was conducted using SAS on census tract-level data to identify correlations and disparities in PFAS exposure.

Results: 636 samples were collected between 2020 and 2023, from 113 public water systems. Of these, 25 sampling sites had PFOA above 4 ppt and 20 sampling sites had PFOS above 4 ppt. Areas with elevated PFAS levels showed higher median household income, employment rates, education levels, and healthcare access. However, there was no statistically significant association between PFAS concentration and population size, number of households, percentage of children under 18, and non-white population. This can be attributed to uneven testing, with economically advantaged communities tested more frequently.

Conclusion: This study’s findings do not support existing literature suggesting that children in low-income and minority communities may be disproportionately exposed to elevated levels of PFAS. Limitations include the use of aggregate data and potential underrepresentation of the exposed population. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and PFAS exposure in drinking water. Recommendations include implementing PFAS biomonitoring in potentially impacted communities and developing regulations to protect all populations from PFAS-related health risks.